Sustainable slow fashion leads the way

 It has been four years since I last blogged, so it has been somewhat difficult to know where to start. Opening and running a shop is a time consuming business!

Setting up a preloved clothing enterprise from scratch has been the most extraordinary journey for me . Looking back I can see I was a complete novice. There are those who assume this to be a 'walk in the park', a super 'little hobby' to fill the hours for a woman of a 'certain age'. Boy they are so wrong! It has to become way of life and a labour of love, requiring dedication, commitment and a passion for clothes  if you are to succeed. Now I don't claim to be any kind of fashionista nor do I particularly care for trends, which are mainly passing fads anyway. What really gets me excited and piques my interest is clothes that have lasted a decade or far more and where and how such things are made and by whom.

 So, in a nutshell, if you're buying preloved that is a few decades old, within reason, the quality can be trusted. Look at the shape, feel the material, check the seams. Someone remarked the other day, quite rudely, questioning the quality of an item, that the label was washed out and that the whole thing should therefore be discarded The garment was at least thirty years old, however the overall condition of the item was excellent so there was no reason why it should be dismissed. 

You may be wondering why then have I posted up a picture of a fairly new dress? Well, one of the most interesting aspects of running the shop is that I discover new labels on a regular basis and its led me to care far more about the garments origins. The above organic cotton wrap dress is from Kozii, a company based in southern Portugal. Their philosophy is for a slow brand based on sustainability and honesty, where workers are treated with respect and dignity and paid a fair wage. It really is my belief that as we embrace preloved and seek to eliminate the huge mountains of discarded clothing that we should begin to question the entire production process of some clothing brands. Ignorance and turning a blind eye is no longer an excuse for supporting cheap fashion fixes.

Obviously its an entirely personal choice where you choose to spend your money. I think that the smartest cookies amongst us are those who care about how, where and when our clothes were made which doesn't eliminate new because that would be unrealistic, but points us in the direction of a more sustainable approach.

Throwaway fast fashion has no place on our planet anymore. 

Bridport Fashion Revolution

Apparently Bridport is having a 'FASHION REVOLUTION' which is all very exciting for me being in the business of PRELOVED/ NEW TO YOU/ UPCYCLED,/RECYCLED/ SECOND HAND CLOTHES.

It can't have escaped your attention that the issues of climate change and the preservation of our beautiful planet is of the most urgent and upmost importance. To my mind there's an awful lot of unnecessary waffling combined with inertia as a minority of people try to ignore the problem but each and every one of us can play a small part in helping reduce the waste. Its all very well banging a drum on a climate march and carefully recycling your empty bottles but do you consider your carbon footprint as you hop on and off a plane, step aboard your cruise ship? Do you stop to think where your clothes are produced? who made your fashion garment, and under what sort of conditions?

Bridports Fashion Revolution, coinciding with the start of London Fashion Week, is to rethink our choice, use and disposal of what we wear. The aim is to unite people and organisations to work together towards radically changing the way our clothes are sourced, produced and consumed.

I'm constantly amazed at how many gorgeous 'new to you' items keep turning up at South Street Sallys headquarters. Unloved, forgotten, forlorn, my aim is to get them back out there feeling the love again. At a local drinks party the other night I was busy extolling the virtues of recycling clothing but to my amazement there were a few doubtful faces and even, the wrinkling of noses!! Filled with zeal I endeavoured to pull in a few new converts. I wouldn't suggest for a moment that you stop buying new, not only would this be impractical, and anyway its a personal choice what you choose to wear, but at least stop to consider the impact fast fashion has on our environment. I wont bore you with figures because you should be aware of the damage by now. One of the ladies informed me she had bought her garment from a major fashion chain, 'half price' she proudly told me. 'What does that tell you'? I said. The irony was lost on her. (It was a drinks party...)

Interestingly enough though it was from a certain age group which I won't disclose, (Discretion is key) because I'm sure you can guess. A mindset perhaps about what they consider second hand represents which maybe is linked to inferior. (Not the case) Is it to do with the 'make do and mend' era they were raised in and now they reject it because it makes them feel better?

So really as with everything its a case of educating people and pointing out the choices that are available to them. Easy enough you would think. I may be a small cog in a very large wheel but in my own tiny way I am making a difference. If everyone did the same imagine what we could achieve!

South Street Sallys Valentines Preloved Pop Up runs from February 14th - February 16th at Symondsbury Estate Dorset.
Valentine Preloved Pop Up

A day in the life of... South Street Sally

People often ask me what I do all day. I often wonder that myself. Preloved clothes do not appear on my doorstep as if by magic, nor are they sorted, steamed, washed, priced and logged into a rapidly filling book. Did you know that preloved clothes have a habit of mushrooming until your entire house resembles a laundry? Despite my Mother in Law having an abundance of space for storage I am still surrounded, some days I feel engulfed by them all.

But less of that. I awake when the alarm goes off, usually about 6.30am although why it has to be set so early is beyond me. I lie as still as I can so that my husband thinks I am still asleep and feels compelled to go and make the tea. We have a teas-maid but it has been consigned to the attic, 'when I feel we are at that stage' I say sternly to him,  'then, and only then, can it come down'. What stage that will be is anyone's guess but they bring out the worst in me, everything I hate about 'sensible, practical, dreary beyond belief' sort of emotions.

This morning its the 'You Must Create (YMC) London culottes I pick to wear. One of my many items from my 'I think I'll buy these' collection. I hadn't heard of the label but I know a well cut pair of jeans when I see them and with an eye watering price tag on them originally I felt £60 was a sound investment. A pair of soft leather knee high Italian boots and a navy cashmere jumper will do today. To my mind you can't beat a classic piece of cashmere as a sound investment and a staple item in your winter wardrobe. I've had some absolute beauties this season, utter bargains with a price tag of £35 and under. Except for the Nicole Fahri cashmere pullover but then the softness of that is something else... Resist resist.

At the moment its all seasonal velvet's in rich hues. Ruby reds, dark Indigo, burnt umber, raven black, absolutely yummy. Little black party dresses jostling for the limelight, twinkly pieces of costume jewellery that set an outfit alight. And the sheer beauty of all this is that it is preloved.  Relove prelove as the slogan goes. No need to feel weighed down with guilt about buying fast fashion, most of it ending up in unnecessary landfill as we all know. Buying second hand is all terribly de rigueur nowadays. Not only are you creating your own individual look but you are positively helping the planet by your recycling ethic. Nobody is telling or asking you to buy everything preloved but surely sparing a thought as to where your clothing is originating from can't be a bad thing.

I have porridge or a boiled egg for breakfast. I am a creature of habit in that respect. After two cups of tea I am ready for coffee. I look at my social networking efforts. Isn't Instagram satisfying yet terribly addictive at the same time? It used to be blogging and twitter for me with a dollop of Facebook thrown in for good measure. Oh, and Pinterest. Exhausting.

I go into my office (the front parlour). I love this room. South facing with a working fireplace, a large leather topped desk (the recycling centre one Christmas) and a welsh dresser painted a rather fetching green. I will only allow blue and white china to be displayed on it. An antique clock that belonged to my parents and reminds me of my childhood home ticks reassuringly in the background. On the mantle is the only mirror I managed to rescue from France. It will always be a bone of contention that a greedy notaire snaffled the lot. If you've read the book you would understand. C'est la vie.

I have a notice on my desk. 'A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear'. How true is that? Because I am right on South Street in the centre of Bridport, hence the name South Street Sally, people distract me as they go past. Everyday the model in the window wears a new outfit. I sometimes wonder if anyone notices. Today she has a silk wrap around dress with a scattering of stars and circles. I changed the green velvet curtains for red as its Christmas with plush gold tie backs. In the window lies a gold cherub. I admit to changing curtains rather a lot especially when the seasons change. I think its normal but my husband begs to differ.

Once I've gazed at the latest batch of clothes I'll phone my Mother. There will have been a wash put on earlier and I have a moan about the state of the shed where the washing machine is. Having dramatically downsized I feel the limitations of a small property keenly, especially running a business from home too.Once I have had a gossip I put the kettle on again. I drift out into the garden and peg washing on the line. You cant go far wrong with a short cold wash. I never buy anything that goes to the dry cleaners. I live in a terraced house and if the weathers fine the neighbours will be out pottering in their gardens. I'd never experienced the joys of chatting over a neighbouring fence before.

It's nearly 11 and the morning is galloping ahead. I refuse to be drawn into the daily chore of cleaning. 'I'm not a housewife' I remind my husband as he bounds off to work. He's an undertaker so the conversation at breakfast can be sobering at the best of times. Radio 4 is always on but its so biased these days I usually turn it off as soon as he departs. I'm a fan of silence. Invariably I guiltily sweep the kitchen floor and inwardly curse.

Back to the clothes and the business. Since August this year I've taken on over 700 items. It sounds quite ridiculous but I get annoyed if I can't recall them all. I keep a very keen eye on how much brands go for on the internet. People will call and tell me they have 'a few clothes' they have cleared out. 'All in pristine condition'. This isn't always entirely true... I do come across terribly interesting items though along with some fascinating people. Scratch the surface and lives unfurl in front of you. Sometimes peoples stories can be quite sad, I like to feel I have the ability to listen and empathise.

I'm currently preparing for another 'pop up' event. I've done two already and although its hard work I'm lucky enough to have a heavenly venue close by. Awareness through marketing is crucial so because I'm a 'one man band' I labour away daily at this. For my Christmas Instagram I found a luscious Liberty advent calendar with tiny drawers. My brainwave was to have an item a day cleverly popping out, with the devious intent obviously of selling it. There's been a Vivienne Westwood watch, a silver and marcasite brooch, Samuel Windsor belt, Silk Richard Allan scarf, Frederick Theak bow tie... Go and have a peek.
Once I'm bored of labelling or sorting or whatever I need to go shopping. Lunch will have been a salad of sorts. I admit to a mince pie today too. I never have time to meet friends for lunch or coffee, is this bad time management or am I simply too busy? It seems to fall on me to decide what to have for supper.

I trip over a large bag of vintage mohair jumpers which jolts a memory from long ago. I had one once, it was a Christmas present from the man I later married and who fathered my children. He got the colours wrong and I got him wrong, way back in time, the 80's in fact. I sat on a stone on a wild beach in Ireland with my whole life ahead of me. Now I'm looking at a pile of them and a large percentage of my life is behind me. Wow.

I shake my head and set off with the amusing thought that I am now vintage. I haven't bought the washing in so that will go damp. It's mid afternoon now and the light is fading. I go and visit my Mother for a cup of tea.

Later on when my husband has arrived back from work we catch up on the days events. Death and second hand clothes, what an odd mixture.

It dawns on me that Christmas is fast approaching and the days are trickling alarmingly by.

I drift towards my computer, the fire is lit in the front room and sometimes people stop and peer in. I need to run a Facebook competition, the last one was so successful. Nearby lies a tempting bar of Green & Blacks organic sea salt chocolate.

Work is never far from my thoughts.

From December 19th-23rd I shall be at The Old Pottery, Manor Yard, Symondsbury Estate, Dorset.

Preloved Pop Up Party - Dorset

My very first 'preloved pop up' party was, I am happy to report, a resounding success. I was terribly nervous, worried even. Supposing no-one turned up? Supposing it was a complete flop? Confident, dare I say it? that my taste combined with the stock I had lovingly put together would have a wide appeal I clung onto the mantra 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'

I was lucky enough to have the most fabulous location for the occasion. The Old Pottery on the Symondsbury Estate in Dorset was ideal. The estate has such a variety of things to do to keep all ages happy that its not difficult to lure people along, especially on a sunny Sunday. There are other retail outlets on the estate too and their cafe serves sublime food. Combined with free parking and everything being easily accessible I need not have fretted. The sun shone and everyone was delightfully complimentary. I can even admit to having fun.

Now that I've had a chance to catch my breath and restock I'm thrilled to announce the next 

'Preloved Pop Up'

November 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th

The Old Pottery

Symondsbury.

So if you're on the hunt for that elusive party dress for the festive season, yearning for a new winter coat, coveting some gorgeous cashmere or hanker after some costume jewellery you know where to come.

However, there's one outfit that once possessed you can wear all year round!

The winter coat

I love opening a bag of clothes containing items of clothing that I find irresistible. The thrill of sitting and sorting through them in my lovely work space makes my Monday mornings anything but dull. As the saying goes 'Love what you do, do what you love'

For some people their weakness is shoes, for others handbags but mine is definitely, without doubt coats. When a sumptuous lightweight Hobbs wool coat is presented to me I just have to try it on. Like the Joseph goose and feather down black padded jacket, the Hoggs of Fife tweed jacket, the Aquascutum classic double breasted rainmac, the vibrant red cape from Ramosport Paris. And that's just the selection currently in front of me in my workroom. I have a storage room obviously...

In my own personal wardrobe I am currently debating whether I need two black coats. It's a toss up between the black AgnesB. with the faux fur collar or a very long Jacques Vert complete with stunning gold lining. Should I consider selling my Rocha of Mayfair coat? Absolutely not, it was vintage when I was given it and that was some thirty odd years ago. The extremely mischievous friend that bestowed such a stunning beauty upon me rather wickedly told me she had 'worn it to Cliveden, to one of Lady Astor's parties' she informed me. 'Obviously in the days before country estates were turned into vulgar hotels' she added for good measure. A coat with provenance then. If only I had paid more attention to her stories...

The Savoy Taylors Guild Peruvian Alpaca wool herringbone coat has had so many close brushes with being dismissed but it continues to hold a place in my heart. Those lapels must surely come back into fashion one day? The White Company navy blue double breasted pea coat, the battered Barbour, the terribly smart tailored tweed coat with the velvet collar, all will fulfil a particular occasion. The most hateful Kermit green anorak for hiking in the unpredictable English weather hangs forlornly on the back door. I need them all.

I can't understand anyone who only has one winter coat, how on earth do they manage? For good measure I count the number of coats I have in stock. Absurd. How on earth did I accumulate all those? I'm just sitting pondering this very complex question when 'the man of the house' strides in. He takes a quick look of approval at a classic tweed men's jacket artfully hung over a mustard wool waistcoat with gold lining. A Tootal scarf finishes off the ensemble rather fetchingly I think.

He scoops them up with undisguised glee and starts trying them on. 'You've got enough winter coats' I say rather tartly. He pauses and looks at me as though I'm mad and out comes this disbelieving snort of laughter.

'That's rather rich coming from you' he says.

I privately think it is but I don't admit to it.

Stand up South Street Sally

I am finally ready to succumb to Autumn. I cling onto the last vestiges of summer like the leaves on the trees fighting with the blustery weather, but in the end out comes the Autumn/winter wardrobe.

I ease myself into the new season gently. Tweed jackets, lightweight scarves, ankle boots, delicate cashmere jumpers, comfortable jeans, woollen dresses are my basics. Layers are key because occasionally a burst of sun will give a brief glimpse of what we are leaving behind.

At home I am surrounded by clothes. Rail upon rail of sustainable fashion. I am obsessed by recycling clothes and appalled by what ends up in landfill, so much wastage and so much of it unnecessary. If we all made a conscious effort to combine pre-loved with new it would make such a difference.

As the house started bulging with my obsession it was time to focus on South Street Sally which had started up outside my house on a Saturday morning.  Bridport has a twice weekly market (Saturday & Wednesday mornings) so it seemed an ideal opportunity to sell some of my surplus stock.

I started out with a mixture of items, mostly bric a brac but the clothes side just seemed to grow and grow and was proving very popular as people got to know me and my style. I don't do vintage clothing, leaving that to others who are more knowledgeable than I am in that area.

I suppose I could be called 'classic with a quirky twist'. Nothing will go onto the stall unless it is of the highest quality and I personally love it. Its a terrific way to get to meet people in the community and satisfies my 'recycling ethic'. I also have an endless supply of 'new to me outfits'...Perks of the job!

Focusing on clothes everyday makes me de-clutter my own wardrobe on a regular basis. However we all have weaknesses and mine have to be cashmere pullovers and coats. I couldn't possibly admit to how many I possess but I'm not to be found in the same one very often. My rule is simple, two in, one out so lots end up on the stall!

Todays outfit is:
Polo neck pullover/poncho in dark bottle green by Cos (from South Street Sally)
Joseph silk and stretch cotton shirt (from South Street Sally)
Angelika magic stretch jeans from Anna Montana (from Douglas Read, South Street)
Clarks riding boots (Clarks)
I alternated today as the weather changed outside between my Barbour coat and a hugely fun Per Una faux fur jacket in an up to date leopard print (both from South Street Sally)

Do please come and visit, either on my stall on South Street (weather permitting) or peruse the latest news via my facebook page 

Vow to make the change today, combine pre-loved with new. Recycling is smart.